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Helio Basin Brewing has become one of my favorite local breweries. Their slogan is Quality Crafted in Phx. They took residence in an old pool hall that I used to hang out at in Arcadia. Helio Basin is founded by Mike Conley and brewmaster Dustin Hazer. Chef Tamara Stanger creates the amazing food that is served here. It’s the perfect pairing of top quality brews with simple but innovating food. Many of the dishes here have some sort of representation of Arizona in it. For beers, their IPA and Blackberry Wheat are the big sellers. I think my favorite thing about this place is the sense of community they have created here. They have a few large tables for large parties and have the ability to open up the patio for outdoor events. From talking to many guests that I sit next to, Helio Basin had become a popular neighborhood favorite. I came here for their one year anniversary party with a buddy and my son. I ordered a beer flight got a nice variety of beers as my selection. The Robust Porter is one of my favorites. Chef Tamara put together some delicious roasted pig tacos with banana cornbread and Sonoran rice. We had a great time and enjoyed our beers and food. Hello Basin is a great addition to the Arcadia food scene and definitely check out their great happy hour and Taco Tuesdays!

I came here for a Local First AZ promoted dinner with the brew masters. I was surprised Helio Basin is taking residence in an old pool hall I used to hang and drink cheap bad beer at. It’s definitely great to see an upgrade in the beer being served at this location – lol. I had blast hearing the stories from the brew masters of how this place came about and how they make their beer. You can tell these guys know their stuff and are very passionate about serving a good beer. In fact their slogan is “Quality Crafted in Phx”. Not only do they serve good beer, but the food is phenomenon. Chef Tamara Stanger just recently won the Devoured Culinary Classic excellence award for her smoked bison taquito. About thirty of us were served a four course dinner with a beer paired with each dish. Their IPA and Blackberry Wheat are the big sellers. Both were very clean, crisp and delicious. But I think the Robust Porter was my favorite. It’s not too heavy and full of flavor (a nice blend of chocolate, caramel and coffee). My favorite courses were the Palo Verde Torte and the Blueberry Tamarind Pudding. Each dish was beautifully presented and had some sort of representation of Arizona in it. Hello Basin is a great addition to the Arcadia food scene and worth another stop. They have a great happy hour and I hear Taco Tuesdays is a must. Check them out!

I grew up in Tempe and remember when Islands was at this location and then it sat empty for some time after it closed. But is looks like Tempe finally found a winner in Pedal Haus. It is a locally owned brewpub that features handcrafted European-style beers along with a Belgian-American gastropub menu. They opened in 2015 and just recently went through a renovation. They have some pretty creative dishes like brisket argue pasta, lobster mac & cheese, tempura-fried cheese curds and moules frites. You can’t miss this place because it is huge. They have three bar areas with an enormous patio (with cornhole) and beer garden. I was first introduced to Pedal Haus on a food tour of Tempe last year and happy to finally make a return visit.

I started my day off with the Bavarian pretzel which comes with sides of beer cheese, stone-ground mustard and a maple butter. The pretzels are shaped liked a baguette and come served warm and soft. The maple butter was a pleasant surprise. Then I got the Green Chili Bacon Burger which is a pretty good-sized burger loaded with all types of flavor. I’m an ale guy and enjoyed their amber ale for my beer choice. One fun fact that I found interesting is that they recycle heat in the brewing process. The steam (which is typically lost) is distributed to a hot water tank that warms up the next batch. They have a killer happy hour that offers reduced prices on their appetizers and beer. Like many of the new breweries opening up, they are pet friendly, so feel free to bring your dog.

Scottsdale Beer Company uses a custom 10 bbl brewing system to brew their beer. They prioritize freshness and craftsmanship and are inspired by the work of beer masters from past generations. The head brewmaster is an Arizona native and has been making beer for over twenty years. I tried the East End Amber and found it very tasty and delicious. The Chicken Molé Tostadas were recommended by my server and I enjoyed every bite. The tostadas are made of beer brined chicken thighs braised in red molé sauce, served over refried beans and topped with cheese curds, jalapeño crema, cilantro, cabbage, radish, lime-pickled onions, and apples. I’m really enjoying all the craft breweries that are popping up everywhere in the Valley. This place was a pleasant surprise and added to my dinner and play evening out.

I have to post a picture of this delicious beer shake I got at Red Robin. It is a blend of creamy vanilla soft serve, Blue Moon Belgian White beer, Cointreau orange liqueur and orange juice. Wow! Red Robin does a few variations of beer shakes and this is definitely one of my favorites!

I really enjoy this beer, especially in the summer. It’s SanTan Brewing Company’s famous Mr. Pineapple wheat beer. It’s available in cans or on draft and has a nice tropical touch to it. It’s a traditional wheat beer infused with fresh pineapple juice that’s perfect anytime.

I love going to Angels Trumpet Ale House. 31 craft beers on tap. Only 5 feet of line from the keg to the glass with stainless steel taps keeps the beer as fresh and cool as possible. They are always rotating different beers, so you have to keep an eye on the chalk board for your favorite. And of course they have great food too! A bunch of us got together for some beers for a fun night.